Shoe Review: Skechers GOMeb Speed 4

Back in March, I got a lovely email from Skechers inviting me to a VIP experience to promote their new Performance line of running shoes. I was thrilled! But then I noticed the event was in Toronto. My excitement was immediately followed by crushing disappointment. The organiser must not have realised that I now live in London. Gutted, I wrote back saying thank you, but a commute across the ocean was a bit long for me. However, after expressing my extreme FOMO, she kindly agreed to send me a pair of the new shoes to trial! Due to challenges associated with international postage, the shoes had to be shipped to my mother-in-law in Toronto. That was back in May. As a result, I forgot all about them….until yesterday!

I opened the box and went, “Oooooh!” I was instantly in love with the GOMeb Speed 4s. In hot pink and navy, with bright pink laces, they are exactly the sort of shoes I would be drawn to from a purely aesthetic perspective.

I picked them up and the very first thing I noticed was how light they were. Weighing in at just 153 grams, they are fraction of the weight of my other running shoes (Compare to my Nike Zoom Pegasus 32s that weigh 244 grams!)

I put them on and thought they felt very sock-like. In a good way. The material was flexible and roomy, even for my wide feet. Also, I think I finally have to admit that I have been wearing the wrong size running shoes for my entire life. I got these shoes in a US Size 7 (UK Size 4). Ordinarily, I wear a half size smaller. However, after running a marathon in size 6.5 shoes and then promptly losing two toenails, I think it is safe to say, 6.5 is the wrong shoe size.

Even though I had just finished a very intense spinning class at the new Cycle Bar in Toronto (post on that coming soon!), I just had to take the new shoes out for a little run around the neighbourhood. Because they are so light, I wondered if they could stand up to a longer run. I often opt for shoes with a little more support and cushioning, so I proceeded with caution. However, the Skechers GOMeb Speed 4s are the official racing shoe of Kara Goucher, the American long-distance runner, so I figured if they are good enough for her, they have to be able to work for me too!

Admittedly, I was too tired and it was way too hot for a long run. With temperatures nearing 30C, I made it a mere 2 miles. A short run, but long enough to decide that these shoes are awesome! They were super light, as expected, and the GOknit upper was comfortable and breathable. My feet are wide and a bit misshapen so I often find that new shoes rub and cause blisters. It usually takes me a few runs to break them in. The GOMeb Speed 4s felt sleek and snug, as if they had been in my shoe rotation for months already. No rubbing or friction at all.

Some people I have spoken to are surprised to hear that Skechers has collection of footwear for running. They think of the Skechers as a lifestyle brand versus an athletic brand. However, the Skechers performance line offers an extensive collection of technologically advanced footwear for running, walking, training and golf. And with partnerships with some of the biggest names in running like Kara, and Meb Keflezighi, they are definitely a competitive brand worth considering.

For more details on the Skechers performance line, check out their website. For Canada, click here. For UK, click here.